August Birth Cheese
Birth Cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the 'King of Cheeses' made in limited regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy in northern Italy, using unchanged methods since the 13th century. Through long aging of minimum 12 months, typically 24-36 months, it develops deep flavors with shining amino acid crystals. It was chosen for August, when ancestors are welcomed during Obon, because the deep flavors from long aging express inheritance of memories across generations, and amino acid crystals symbolize crystallized memories of time. This traditional cheese with nearly 900 years of history possesses dignity and tradition while also showing innovation through new possibilities in combinations with balsamic vinegar and honey. Its production follows strict rules, embodying the value of inherited techniques and wisdom, and cultural importance passed down through generations.
Features
- Complex and profound flavors formed through long aging of minimum 12 months, typically 24-36 months
- Amino acid crystals (tyrosine) form during aging, providing enjoyable granular texture in mouth
- Granted DOP certification since 1996, produced through strict quality control and traditional methods
- Excellent compatibility with balsamic vinegar, honey, and red wine, creating elegant flavor profiles
- Delicious eaten alone or grated, with versatility to elevate any dish
Personality
- Elder-like presence with dignity and grace backed by long history, commanding respect
- Leadership that guides successors with deep wisdom and experience built over time
- Flexible and progressive thinking that values tradition while embracing innovation
- Humble and refined personality that quietly demonstrates presence without flaunting value
- Universal charm loved across generations and responsibility for unchanging quality
Symbolic Meaning
- True value created by accumulation of time and experience, represented by long aging
- Crystallization of memories and intergenerational inheritance symbolized by amino acid crystals
- Respect for tradition and responsibility for quality shown by strict production methods
- Excellence and unique special status represented by the title of King
- Inheritance from ancestors and responsibility to posterity, importance of cultural heritage
Reason for Selection
- Expresses inheritance of memories across generations and weight of tradition in August when ancestors are welcomed during Obon
- Deep flavors from long aging symbolize wisdom and experience accumulated over time
- Amino acid crystals are expressed as crystallized forms of memories from ancestors
- Ancient Italian tradition resonates with Japanese spirit of ancestor veneration
- Dignified presence represents responsibility and love as family patriarch
Protection & Effects
- Grants responsibility to inherit wisdom across generations and pass it to posterity
- Provides patience to understand value of time-honored growth and walk steadily without haste
- Deepens respect for tradition and nurtures heart that values cultural heritage
- Provides power to acquire dignity and grace, demonstrating leadership and guidance abilities
- Grants wisdom to cherish memories, learn from the past, and apply to the future
Trials & Growth
- Acquiring perseverance to understand value of long aging and not seek immediate results
- Cultivating responsibility to learn proper storage and handling, inheriting traditional wisdom
- Improving aesthetic sense to understand value of high quality and distinguish authentic from fake
- Developing balanced personality that maintains dignity while not losing humility
- Acquiring flexible and progressive thinking that respects tradition while accepting innovation